Choosing an orthodontist is one of those decisions that feels simple on the surface but gets more nuanced the closer you look. You’re not just picking someone to straighten teeth, you’re choosing a provider who will be part of your family’s life for one to three years. In a community like Cerritos, you have options. Here’s how to sort through them and find the right fit.

Start With Board Certification

The first thing to look for is board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This is a voluntary credential that goes beyond the standard requirements for practicing orthodontics, and not every orthodontist pursues it.

To become board certified, an orthodontist must pass a rigorous written and clinical examination, submit documented case results for independent review, and demonstrate a consistently high standard of clinical outcomes. It requires extra time, effort, and commitment on top of an already demanding specialty.

In Cerritos, Dr. Susan Bae of Bae Orthodontics is the only board-certified female orthodontist, bringing that advanced level of credentialed expertise directly to the community.

Verify That They Are a Specialist, Not a General Dentist

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that requires two to three additional years of full-time training after dental school. Not every provider offering braces or aligners has completed that training.

Some general dentists offer orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, as part of their practice. That’s not inherently wrong, but it’s worth knowing the difference. An orthodontist’s entire practice is dedicated to moving teeth and aligning bites. That focus matters, especially for complex cases or growing patients whose treatment needs to account for jaw development.

When evaluating providers in Cerritos, always confirm that the person treating you is a licensed orthodontic specialist, not a general practitioner offering orthodontics as a side service.

Look at the Technology They Use

Modern orthodontics has come a long way from plaster molds and guesswork. The tools an office uses reflect their commitment to precision and patient experience.

At Bae Orthodontics, we use the iTero 5D intraoral scanner for digital impressions, which means no messy molds and a far more accurate 3D model of your teeth. We also use 3D-printed appliances, which allow for a level of customization that traditional manufacturing simply can’t match.

When you’re comparing practices, ask what technology they use for treatment planning and whether digital scans are part of the process. It’s a good signal of how invested the practice is in delivering accurate, comfortable care.

Evaluate the Range of Treatment Options

A good orthodontic practice should be able to offer the full range of treatment options and help you choose based on your clinical needs, not based on what they happen to offer.

At Bae Orthodontics, patients can choose from:

• Metal braces, the most durable and often the most efficient option for complex cases
• Clear ceramic braces, which blend with the natural tooth color for a less noticeable look
• Invisalign clear aligners, a removable and nearly invisible alternative for appropriate candidates
• Phase 1 early treatment for younger patients who can benefit from interceptive care

If a practice only offers one or two options, make sure those are genuinely the right fit for your case and not just what’s most convenient for the provider.

Consider the Experience for Kids and Teens

If you’re looking for orthodontic care for your child, pay attention to how the practice approaches younger patients. Early treatment, also called Phase 1 orthodontics, is typically recommended for children between ages 7 and 10 and focuses on guiding jaw development before all the permanent teeth have come in.

Not every practice offers Phase 1 treatment or has deep experience with it. Dr. Bae works with patients of all ages and takes a thoughtful approach to early intervention, using it when it genuinely reduces the complexity of later treatment, not as a routine upsell.

Pay Attention to the Consultation Experience

Your initial consultation tells you a lot about a practice. Was it easy to schedule? Did you wait a long time? Did the orthodontist take time to explain your options clearly, or did it feel rushed?

At Bae Orthodontics, consultations are complimentary and we pride ourselves on no wait times. Dr. Bae personally reviews every case and walks patients and families through their options with care and clarity. You should never leave a consultation feeling more confused than when you walked in.

Ask About Financial Options

Orthodontic treatment is a meaningful investment, and a good practice will make it accessible. Ask about payment plans, whether financing is interest-free, and what promotions or discounts are available.

Bae Orthodontics offers flexible, interest-free in-house financing and $1,000 off full treatment for new patients, making it easier for families across Cerritos and the greater Los Angeles area to get started without financial stress.

Choose Someone Who Is Part of Your Community

There’s something meaningful about choosing a provider who is invested in the same community you live in. Dr. Susan Bae built her practice in Cerritos with a focus on personalized, community-centered care. She’s not part of a chain or a corporate group, she’s a specialist who chose this community and is committed to the people in it.

Ready to Meet Dr. Bae?

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Cerritos, we’d love to be your first call. Schedule your complimentary consultation at Bae Orthodontics and see firsthand what personalized, board-certified orthodontic care looks like.

No wait times. No pressure. Just a great smile waiting to happen.